Medical Cannabis Guide

What is Cannabis?

Let’s start with the basics. Cannabis is the short name used for the plant Cannabis Sativa. It originated in Asia but is now grown around the world. Cannabis contains over a 100 different substances that have potential for medicinal impact on the body. The system of the body that Cannabis acts upon is called the Endocannabinoid System(ECS). Cannabis contains compounds that trigger cell receptors in the ECS, and depending on which receptor, and a host of other physiological influences derived from the plant, the body responds positively or negatively. The effects of cannabis, like a traditional medication, can have benefits but also side effects, which is why I always recommend patients using cannabis to find a doctor is open minded about it, and discuss their use with them, the reasons they are using, and go one step further and discuss the strains used. This partnership can help improve the therapeutic benefit, as well as reduce the risk for potential unwanted side effects, especially when it is combined with traditional medications.

Cannabis Categorization

Historically cannabis plants have been categorized by Sativa and Indica strains, and each strain supposedly would have different therapeutic benefits. It is frequently stated that Sativa plants tend to be stimulating and Indica calming. When in reality, it is much more complex. Sativa and Indica cannabis strains are different, with Sativa being tall and narrow plants with Indica short and broad. They will tend to have different chemical profiles but as you will learn thru this guide, more important than just the strains, it’s more important to understand the breakdown of the different chemicals within the cannabis variety you are getting at the dispensary.

Now there are so many hybrid varieties of sativa and indica with different blended profiles, in order to get a better therapeutic effect, you need to know more than just if it is sativa or indica. In fact, cross breeding in the cannabis industry is common, and what has led to the incredible variety of cannabis strains you see at the dispensary.

So, instead of a Sativa or Indica strain, you may see ‘Sativa Dominant’, or ‘Indica Dominant’ strain. Still, drilling down to the underlying chemical profile of whichever strain you are using and pairing it with your desired therapeutic response is your best bet.

THC

Of the chemicals most studied in cannabis, is THC. THC or more fully known as delta-9-tetrahydrocanabinol(THC), is a psychoactive compound that has potentially strong stimulative effects on the ECS. The level of THC cannabis varies significantly among different strains. Recreational cannabis 20 years ago would typically have 3% or so THC in it, now it can have as much as 15%, and some strains up to 30%. As a result the potential psychoactive properties are much more powerful, and can be unwanted for many patients.

Hemp, which has no psychoactive impact, and is now legal in the USA, and available in creams, seeds, and cosmetics, has a THC concentration below 0.3%.

CBD

The second primary cannabinoid in cannabis is Cannabidiol(CBD. Unlike THC, CBD has less psychoactive impact on the ECS. It is believed to have more of a sedating, anxiety reducing impact on the ECS, along with an ant-inflammatory impact. However, it should be noted, that THC and CBD work synergistically, and I think more and more of the science would suggest at least low level of THC with CBD work better than CBD alone for many medical conditions.

Terpenes

A third, and lesser discussed, but equally important compound in cannabis that has therapeutic impact are Terpenes. Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give cannabis its distinct smells. Terpenes however are not unique to cannabis. Terpenes are found in many other herbs, including basil, lavender, and rosemary. More on Terpenes a little latter.

CBD Receptors

Now we have learned there are 3 primary compounds in cannabis that have therapeutic effects. (Many more are present and being studied as of this writing.) How do they work on the ECS?

There are two main CBD receptors. Remember with the ECS, there are receptors that receive the compounds in the cannabis plant, and those receptors when activated are what lead to the therapeutic impact from cannabis.

One important point is the density of CBD receptors varies by individual, which explains the variable impact the same strain can have on different people.

Unfortunately, this is why it is so important to start slow, preferably under medical guidance when using cannabis for therapeutic reasons.

CBD-1 Receptors

CBD-1 Receptors are found primarily in the nervous system, the brain and also in the liver and lungs. CBD-1 receptors can stimulate appetite, alertness, and mood.

CBD-2 Receptors

CBD-2 Receptors are found in higher density in the immune system, and gastrointenstinal tract. Cannabis that stimulates CBD-2 receptors more strongly can have an impact on depressed appetite, gut inflammation and pain.

There is a third and important chemical in the ECS, called Anandamide. Anandamide is a naturally occurring chemical we produce on our own and everybody has different amounts of this chemical in our bodies. It binds to the same receptors in our brain as cannabis. It is thought that conventional activities like exercise, dark chocolate, and learning things at comfortability stimulating pace can increase the secretion of anandamide.

Terpenes

Earlier we introduced the compound Terpenes. In addition, to THC and CBD concentrations, terpenes are the third compound likely to have a major impact on the therapeutic response to cannabis. Recall, terpenes are aromatic compound that have distinct smells, and also distinct impacts on your body. When patients go to dispensaries to select cannabis, a focused understanding on terpenes, and selecting cannabis incorporating terpene content can increase the chances of having the desired therapeutic benefit.

What are some common terpenes you will find at your local dispensary?

Pinene

Pinene is a common terpene found in all strains. As the name suggests it smells like pine trees. It is thought to have a calming effect thru the endocanbabinoid system(ECS). For those looking to reduce the psychoactive properties of THC, a cannabis strain high in pinene may help counteract some of the THC ‘high’ effect, while maintaining the other wanted therapeutic benefits.

Myrcene

Myrcene is the most widely found terpene, with especially higher concentration in indica strains of cannabis. Myrcene can have a calming effect as well, like pInene. But an important different is Myrcene can increase the absorption of Endocannabinoids. Therefore, cannabis with high concentrations of THC AND Myrcene, can actually result in a more powerful impact of THC, and for many therapeutic reasons, unwanted. Myrcene is also found high concentration in mangos. Some studies have suggested that increased consumption of mangos prior to cannabis use can also result in more absorption of cannabis.

Limonene

Limonene is a terpene found in a variety of non-cannabis related products such as household products that provide a lemon or citrus scent. It is typically found in low concentrations in cannabis strains, but can have a calming effect. It also has the potential to increase absorption of THC and CBD, therefore enhancing the underlying impact of the THC and CBD.

Linalool

Linalool is a terpene that gives cannabis is distinctive spicy and floral aroma. It is thought to provide a calming effect thru the endocanniboid system. It is found in mint and cinnamon, as well as lavender. It is thought to have a sedative effect.

Caryophyllene

Caroyophyllene is a terpene provides a peppery and spicy smell to cannabis and is also found in pepper and cloves. It is the only terpene that binds directly to CBD2 receptors. As a result, it will have a calming and sedative effect.

Bisabolol

Bisabolol is another terpene with calming effects, and no surprise that is the primary terpene in chamomile tea, which is also used for its calming effect. In cannabis, it has a floral and distinctive chamomile aroma.

There are other terpenes, but these are several common ones you will find in strains at your local dispensary. Each has potential different therapeutic effects when a part of different strains of cannabis.

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the Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.﻿